New York's Rest Areas May Close

According to a recent article in the Albany Times Union, New York Governor David Paterson is considering closing a number of rest areas along the highways of the Empire State. The number of rest stops that are subject to closure could be as many as 35. Some of the rest areas in question are in more populated areas, such as along I-87 (Northway) in Clifton Park. Others are in more sparsely populated areas in the Catskills, Adirondacks and Southern Tier regions of New York State.

According to the proposed 2010-2011 budget, the closure of rest areas could garner as much as $2 million in annual savings. Also, which rest areas are closed and which rest areas remain open are subject to the availability of services near the rest area. So while the very nice looking rest area in Clifton Park may be shut down because there are places to stop nearby, some of the rest areas along I-81, I-86, I-87, I-88, I-390 and NY 17 could remain open.

This would not affect rest areas along the Thruway, since New York State does make money off of those rest areas.

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